Ullswater Water Temperature Today
Fell-ringed lake with easy shore access at Glenridding and Pooley Bridge.
In August Ullswater averages about 17°C at the surface, peaking near 17°C in July, August, September and dropping to roughly 5°C at its coldest.
Lake surface temperatures are modelled from long-term monthly averages and refined with live air temperature, wind and UV. Sea temperatures elsewhere on SwimTemperature come from measured marine model data.
Ullswater water temperature by month
| Month | Average water temperature | Swimming |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5.8°C | cold |
| February | 5.0°C | cold |
| March | 5.8°C | cold |
| April | 8.0°C | cold |
| May | 11.0°C | cool |
| June | 14.0°C | cool |
| July | 16.2°C | mild |
| August | 17.0°C | mild |
| September | 16.2°C | mild |
| October | 14.0°C | cool |
| November | 11.0°C | cool |
| December | 8.0°C | cold |
Ullswater swim conditions FAQ
Best time to swim, water safety and the temperature thresholds that matter for open-water swimming in Ullswater.
Best time to swim
The warmest water in Ullswater is in July, August, September, around 17.0°C.
Averages stay below 18°C every month, so Ullswater is a year-round cold-water swim. In August expect about 17.0°C.
Within a day, the surface is warmest in the late afternoon, while early morning is calmest and quietest for boat traffic.
Water safety tips
- Enter Ullswater slowly and let your breathing settle before swimming out — cold shock is the biggest single risk in fresh water.
- Swim parallel to the shore rather than out and back, so you are never far from a safe exit.
- Lakes have no lifeguard on most shorelines: swim with a partner and use a bright tow float so boats can see you.
- Check for boat traffic, sudden drop-offs, weed beds and submerged obstacles before your first swim of the season.
- Deep lakes stay cold below the surface even in a heatwave — expect a sharp thermocline a metre or two down.
- After heavy rain or during a warm calm spell, avoid swallowing water: runoff and algal blooms can cause illness.
- Get warm and dressed quickly after cold swims — afterdrop peaks 10–30 minutes out of the water.
Temperature thresholds
| Water | Feels | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 24°C and above | Warm | Comfortable for long swims in swimwear. Watch UV and stay hydrated. |
| 20–23°C | Pleasant | Ideal open-water conditions for most swimmers; no neoprene needed. |
| 18–19°C | Fresh | Fine for 30–60 minutes; a shorty wetsuit extends comfort. |
| 14–17°C | Cool | Cold-water rules apply. A 3/2mm full suit is sensible. |
| 10–13°C | Cold | Limit to short swims, 4/3mm suit, gloves and boots; never swim alone. |
| Below 10°C | Very cold | Cold shock and swim failure risk. Acclimatised swimmers only, minutes not hours, with supervision. |
At today's estimate of 17.0°C, Ullswater rates as mild — Fair.
What is the water temperature of Ullswater right now?
In August the surface of Ullswater averages about 17°C. The reading at the top of this page refines that monthly average with today's live air temperature, wind and UV.
Can you swim in Ullswater?
Ullswater stays below 18°C all year, so every swim is a cold-water swim: keep it short, never go alone, and wear neoprene for anything longer than a few minutes.
When is the best time to swim in Ullswater?
July, August, September offer the warmest water, around 17°C. Within the day, late afternoon is usually warmest at the surface, while early morning is calmest with the least boat traffic.
How cold does Ullswater get in winter?
The coldest month averages roughly 5°C at the surface. At that temperature cold shock is a genuine hazard for unacclimatised swimmers.
What water temperature is safe to swim in?
Above 20°C is comfortable for most people, 18–20°C is fresh but fine for shorter swims, 14–17°C calls for a wetsuit, and below 10°C is experienced cold-water swimmers only — minutes rather than hours, always with someone watching.
Do I need a wetsuit in Ullswater?
Based on the monthly averages: no wetsuit needed at 22°C or above, a shorty from about 18°C, a 3/2mm full suit from 14°C, and 4/3mm with gloves and boots below 14°C. Ullswater peaks near 17°C and bottoms out near 5°C.
Is Ullswater safe to swim in?
Most of the year, yes, provided you pick a known entry point, swim parallel to the shore with a partner, and check local signage. Avoid swimming after heavy rain or during visible algal blooms, and remember lake shorelines are rarely lifeguarded.
Compare lake temperatures
Pick up to 4 lakes to compare today's water temperature and the next seven days.
| Lake | Today | Next 7 days |
|---|---|---|
| UllswaterUnited Kingdom | 17.0°Cmild | Loading forecast… |
| DerwentwaterUnited Kingdom | 18.0°Cmild | Loading forecast… |
| GrasmereUnited Kingdom | 19.0°Cmild | Loading forecast… |
Water temperatures are modelled from long-term monthly averages for each lake and refined daily with forecast air temperature, so the seven-day column shows the expected trend rather than a measured buoy reading.
Open the full lake comparison tool · See Ullswater on the live lake temperature map
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